The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1887-08-04
THE EDITORS PICNIC,

THE EDITORS PICNIC.
lnaSmuch as an ADVOCATE repre-
sentative had occasion to take in the
annual editorial convention at Big
Stone lake it will be well to mention
the cream and delicacies of the trip.
A special train left Mitchell last Tues
day morning, July 2G, bearing few
only from that point Capt. Flagg
and right here we will give the Cap
tain send offs, without any excep-
tion whatever, one of the most genial
railroad officials one will meet in a
lifetime. lie is the division passen
ger agent of the Milwaukee road, and
aside from performing his official du-
ties in an expert manner, he has
friends galore The train seemed to
fairly leap with delight and prevail in
the atmosphere of exhilaration under
the special care of the Captain. lie
was the life of the party, and that
means everything. At Wolsey the
Huron band boarded the train, which
gave the excursion some tone and not
a few spicy tunes. At Aberdeen Maj
Barrett and Judge Drake, of news
paper fame, made their appearance
and apprised the editors that the citi
Zens Of Aberdeen would do the proud
thing when they arrived at that point.
Even from distance the city Of
Aberdeen looms up like Il prosperous
metropolis. Lying, as it does, midst
a wonderfully productive country,
makes it all the more valuable to per-
sons eye; and from the fact that this
city is gaining prominence every year
as a railroad center is another assur-
ance that the people who live there are
aot asleep.
Carriages were at the depot to con-
vey the editors about the city. Col
Plummer's smiling yisage was percept-
ible among the crowd and he did his
part handsomely In pointing out the
different objects of interest about the
city. Aberdeen has remarkable
number of fine residences of the most
modern pattern, all of which are orna-
'ments to the we'll graded thorough
fares. After the drive the editors
were invited by Judge Drake to take
dinner at the sherman, after which the
train pulled out for it's destination. by
this time there were enough editors
aboard to make it interesting.
Big Stone City was reached about
7 o'clock-and here is q city (Which
might have BEEN" Situated on an
elevation in full view Of the sparkling
waters Of Big Stone lake it remains q
monument to halcyon days. The city
has had bad luck, but may take re-
action and startle the territory by fur
nishing city Of wonderful renown.
The lake lies to the north of the city,
and is long sheet of water delightful
to look upon. Gently sloping bluffs
skirt the waters, covered with elegant
shade trees of variegated hues which
oyerhang smooth pebbly beach. For
thirty miles a beautiful panorama is
spread to the vision Of the visitor, un-
excelled in the northwest for beauty
and picturesque scenery. Big Stone
lake rests peacefully on the bosom Of
the great northwest like a dazzling
diamond in its rough state-time and
money only will maks It stand out as
the greatest Dakota resort extant.
One of the many attractions is the
Manitou spring. The water that
pushes up is possessed Of medicinal
qualities which cure the sick of certain
diseases.
Wednesday forenoon the ponderous
and good -natured Maj. Edwards, of the
Fargo Argus, Ex-Gov. Pierce, Of the
Pioneer Press and Col. Piummer, of
the Aberdeen Pioneer, made their APP
pearance, which added jcliity tG the
party. During the. meeting in the af-
ternoon Col. Plummer shot off one Of
his spread eagle oratorical efforts to
the amusement of the assemblage.
Maj. Edwards also mounted the plat
form and delivered a North Dakota
sample speech of wit and wisdom.
Even the chattering squirrels scam
pered off in fright during the Majors
yolley Of effective effusiQns, and net a
ripple occurred on the lake close by.
Gov. Pierce was called upon and spoke
for half an hour upon a subject that has
agitated public opinion in Dakota for
the past few weaka, growing ont of the
arrest of Augustine Davis, editor OF
the Huronite, by Judge Spencer, for
contempt of court. The speaker criti-
cised Judge Spencer to some extent.
Thursday was devoted to the dis
cqssion of various papers and reports
by the different committees. The ed
itors also foundered about in the lake
fished, drank Manitou water and
SKINNED over the lake in a catama-
ran.
Friday o delightful excursion was
taken up the lake q distance Of thirty
miles. The good ladies of Big Stonf
City had prepared lunch which was
highly appreciated by the hungry
quill drivers. A trip up the lake in
midsummer is a rare treat, and car
only be appreciated by taking it in
The party on their return boarded the
cars at Ortonville and started on theil
homeward journey. At Milbank, how: